SFL Bulletin Spring 2000 Ski for Light, Inc. 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 From the President's Disk by Nancy McKinney Greetings to the Ski for Light Family. Spring is here, I can tell because my grass is about two feet tall, reminding me that skiing is over at least until next winter. Reflecting back, the 25th Anniversary of Ski for Light was memorable in so many ways; and looking ahead, we are busily planning for the next event in Green Bay and right now I am working on building committees for the next year. Our event in late January of 2000 was a huge success. The week unfolded with beautiful weather. The sun was out; the snow sparkled and glistened while the mountain range shown gloriously with no clouds in sight. Our week started when His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway kicked off our event. We had the pleasure of his company both on the hockey rink and on the ski tracks; Crown Prince Haakon skied with Ski for Light's Kathy Wood as well as Laura Oftedahl. When not skiing with us or playing ice hockey with the Mobility Impaired skiers, His Royal Highness greeted the group on our first night as well as joining in on our evening programs. Throughout this memorable week, we spent time hearing about past events from those that have been with SFL for some time. We heard funny stories, poignant stories, and some sad stories. We all spent some time being thankful for the memory of Bjarne Eikevik who along with many others orchestrated the beginnings of Ski for Light. All in all, the week had many challenges (a 25K ski tour challenge) as well as many good memories! Thanks to Event Chair, Marie Huston, and her committee for a well thought-out and successful week. Even though the snow is just leaving us now, we are planning for the event in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We can expect another spectacular week with fun, friends and great skiing. The event will be held January 21-28, 2001 in Green Bay proper. We expect that there will be a lot of local involvement and hope that we will be able to partake in some of the rich Native American culture. Event Chair, Judy Dixon, is taking the helm for what I am sure will be another great event. In order to accomplish our goals each year, we must have many committees and people volunteering to work together. Right now, I am appointing committee chairs for next year's work and looking for volunteers to be on committees. Once again, I can honestly say that the beauty of Ski for Light is the cooperation between board members, committee members, and other supporters. The effort put forth so that we can all enjoy the pleasure of cross-country skiing together pays off year after year. If you have not expressed a desire to serve on a committee then now is the time to do so. You can send me an e-mail to nancy@sfl.org. The Prince And The Ski by Cara Barnes We've all heard the timeless tale of the handsome Prince and the glass slipper, but when the glass slipper becomes a cross-country ski and the castle is Granby, CO, a new Cinderella story is born. This year Crown Prince Haakon of Norway joined Ski For Light in celebrating it's 25th anniversary. The international event attracted visually and mobility impaired cross-country skiers from Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and every corner of the United States. After a brief training, which included skiing blindfolded, Crown Prince Haakon ably stepped into the roll of an SFL guide. "I was a little nervous," admits Laura Oftedahl, visually impaired skier from Massachusetts. "I put my skis down and I was about to get into them," blushes Laura. "Then HE helped me get in my skis. He held them and he clipped down the bindings, it was very sweet." While Laura's 5-kilometer ski with Crown Prince Haakon included a discussion of music and a few photos, more exciting adventures awaited. "At one point, there was this big hole right alongside my tracks," says Laura. "If you planted your pole just there, you would probably have fallen over. At the very last minute, he saw it but he didn't have time to tell me to go around it. So he just grabbed my jacket and sort of held onto me as we avoided it." "He was a really good sport," says Kathy Wood, visually and mobility impaired skier from New Jersey, describing a sled hockey game involving mobility-impaired participants. "He played a whole hockey game, and then just threw his body across the ice to block a goal." Kathy says she teased him about it later and commented that she liked that "little action" in the hockey rink, to which Crown Prince Haakon replied that he had actually just fallen out of the sled. "Oh yea, right," smiles Kathy. "I knew he didn't." Crown Prince Haakon summed up the event for many by saying, "it's definitely been a really great experience to be here." As the golden carriage turns back into a pumpkin, those who participated will remember the magic of Ski For Light 2000, made more magical by Crown Prince Haakon's visit. Opening of Ski For Light His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway January 30, 2000 Dear fellow skiers, It is a pleasure for me to be here today and to have a chance to find out more about the exciting movement you are all a part of. For 25 years, Ski For Light has been an arena where people join together in peaceful partnership to learn from each other through physically demanding activities. An important experience, from what I understand, is the message of joy and happiness. Joy--to have come out of the isolation so easily provided by a handicap, and happiness by training towards a specific goal and to meet equals in keen competition. Another important aspect is the social dimension. Many friendships have been formed both across state lines and oceans, as part of the idea behind Ski For Light is to introduce new people to the joy of cross-country skiing. Ski For Light's multicultural flavor grew out of its close ties with Ridderrennet, an international event held at Beitostolen in Norway. Founded in 1955, Ridderrennet serves as the model for Ski For Light. I am glad to learn that there is an ongoing sharing of people and experiences between the two events. This year, I understand that a delegation of 38 Norwegians are here to contribute and learn. Both of my parents have participated at Beitostolen several times, and I have heard about all the fun they had and about the time they spent with the founder of Ridderrennet, the late Mr. Erling Stordahl. As for myself this is the first time to be a guide in such a competition, and I am both excited and a bit worried--excited to participate in the competition, and a bit worried that I can't keep up with my companion. At ski For Light, I understand that the main thing is to participate, not necessarily to win, and that it is common to find both skier and guides who have participated for five, 10 and 20 years. I am sure that your go-ahead spirit and enthusiasm is something that will have rub-off effect on every one of us present. I congratulate all participants as well as organizers on your accomplishments and the important work you do, and wish you all the best in the years to come. In recognition of past achievements, in appreciation of present efforts, and in confidence of future success, I hereby declare the 25th Ski For Light opened. Thank You Texaco Recently, Jeff Pagels received the following letter: The National Governing Body for Olympic Skiing and Snowboarding March 16, 2000 Dear Jeff: The Texaco Star Award program was a tremendous success last year. Texaco and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association were very proud to share your achievements at the 1999 Ski and Snowboard Balls. You were an inspiration to our team members and guests. This year, Texaco will generously increase the Regional Finalist prize to $2,500. Due to the increase in prize money, Texaco would like to present an additional $1,500 to your selected charity. This check will be mailed directly to your chosen charity in your name. Congratulations again in making a difference within your community. Victory Bound! Sarah Selznick Account Executive, Corporate Sales and Marketing United States Ski and Snowboard Association Remembering Bjarne Eikevik by Bud Keith At the end of January, a mix of excitement, joy and sadness filled the atmosphere as we gathered in Colorado to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ski for Light. A close friend, Bjarne Eikevik, one of the founders of Ski for Light and its President from 1976 to 1981, died at home after a long battle with prostate cancer. So many of the early Ski for Light family were inspired by his constant smile, his unlimited energy, his belief that anything was possible, and his ability to make each of us feel important. Two weeks before he died, and knowing death was close, Bjarne told me how sad he was to miss attending SFL. He said that he had planned to bring his entire family to join in the celebration, and asked that his best wishes be extended to everyone present. Bjarne gets the credit for promoting the recreational and relaxed style of SFL. He loved nature and how it could be enjoyed on skis. He quickly became an instinctive guide, and shared so well what he felt, saw and dreamed of. Another founder of SFL, Tor Dahl, shared this about Bjarne: "It is such a joy to have known someone who thinks that everything is possible, and then helps make it so. Can you imagine a life better lived?" Tor adds, "A poet wrote: Each one of us stands at the center of the earth lit by a sunbeam. And suddenly it is evening." And suddenly it was evening for Bjarne. Bjarne taught us how to live. And in the end, he taught us how to die. Rest in peace, dear Bjarne. Rest in peace. At Bjarne's request, the Sons of Norway Foundation will annually provide $1,000 for SFL scholarships. Ski for Light Inspires "Can Do" Belief by Deborah Kendrick Cincinnati Enquirer, Sunday, February 20, 2000 GRANBY, CO--Eight national flags hang from the deck at Snow Mountain Ranch, as eager skiers mill about, some from excitement, some in an attempt to stay warm. National anthems are played--France, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Norway, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States--as two by two, 300 racers line up according to numbers printed on their red and blue bibs. The occasion is the end-of-week Race/Rally for the 25th annual Ski for Light International event. Half of the skiers are either blind or paraplegic. "If I can do this ... I can do anything," has long been the motto of Ski for Light International, and everyone who has ever participated understands its meaning in a profound way. In 1963, Erling Stordahl, a renowned Norwegian musician, who was blind, conceived the idea of teaching blind people to ski. In 1975, his colleague, Olav Pedersen, transplanted that idea to America. The mission is simple: Teach blind and visually impaired people to cross-country ski by using preset tracks and an individual guide/instructor assigned to each participant. Ski for Light founders were determined to share the love of skiing, the joy of sports and the appreciation of the outdoors with as many blind people as possible. The success of that early concept--rooted solidly in a remarkable base of family-style love and loyalty--has surpassed even those early lofty imaginings. While there was always a "mobility-impaired" component, that program was significantly enhanced in 1986, with the involvement of Jeff Pagels, a Wisconsin-based SFL board member who became paraplegic when a tree fell on him in 1984. Through Ski for Light, he reclaimed skiing, using a "sitski" and poles. Today, Mr. Pagels organizes the mobility-impaired participants in skiing and ice hockey for the SFL event. My first Ski for Light week was in 1980, in Traverse City, MI. I had never seen or "laid hands" on skis yet, within minutes of examining the long wooden boards with bindings, I was gliding on snow, the voice of my guide close by, instructing me in the technique called diagonal stride. Within perhaps 20 minutes, she was shrieking with delight: "Oh my God, you're doing it! You can ski!" This 25th anniversary event marks the seventh such week for me. Each time, I become a better skier. Each year, I marvel at this one-of-a-kind organization and the awe-inspiring effects it has. With or without disabilities, Ski for Light participants refer to the week as a life-changing event. Guides speak emotionally of those at home understanding that they have two families. Some guides recruit their friends, spouses, children or co-workers. Participants with visual or mobility impairments tell countless stories of new beginnings, broadened horizons, heightened self-esteem and, well, an enormous joie de vivre. An all-volunteer organization, Ski for Light board and committee members come from across the United States; some are blind, some sighted, some use wheelchairs. Each year, the program draws participants and guides from several other countries. Because the program's roots are in Norway, each year's event includes a "Norwegian Night," in which we celebrate with our 50-60 Norwegian participants, taking in their country's food, dancing and culture. In honor of the 25th anniversary, the Crown Prince of Norway joined us, even acting as a guide. But the magic of Ski for Light isn't about splendid ceremonies and flags or even the thrill of unity with another country and culture. The magic is in the attitude, the infectious fabulous belief in every human being that permeates the ski trails, hot tub, dining room, dances and talent show. Only at Ski for Light does everyone seem to forget who's blind, who's got a wheelchair, who's got no detectable disability. Only at Ski for Light does everyone truly believe and know "If I can do this...I can do anything." SFL 2001 Ski for Light 2001 will be held Jan. 21-28 in Green Bay, WI. To apply as a guide, visually impaired participant or mobility impaired participant, write to Ski for Light International, 1455 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55408. Or visit the Ski for Light Web site at www.sfl.org. Although participants pay about $600 each year for food, lodging, and trail fees, Washington, D.C.-based treasurer Judy Dixon says "actual costs per participant are around $900." SFL leaders are working to build an endowment fund to ensure that the magic of SFL will continue. At SFL 1999, Valerie Anders, wife of Apollo 8 astronaut and former U.S. ambassador to Norway, Bill Anders, surprised her Ski for Light friends with an endowment kick-off presentation of $25,000. Copyright 1995-2000. The Cincinnati Enquirer, a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper Memories of Ridderrennet by Kathy Wood Life is certainly full of surprises. This was proven to me when I was selected to represent Ski for Light as a member of the official Ridderren team for 2000. What was my Ridderren experience like? As I sit here and try to put my memories on paper, the only problem I am having is trying to figure out how to begin. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived in Oslo. I guess I expected either a smaller version of New York City or a quaint village. The international character of the city (Burger King, T G I Friday's and Blues Brothers CDs) amazed me while the old-world architecture was fascinating. As we left Oslo on Sunday morning for the trip to Beitostolen, the scene very quickly changed from cosmopolitan to bucolic. The grass-roofed cabins were most amazing to me. The mix of people at Beitostolen was impressive. Not only was this truly an international event, but there was a huge range of skiing abilities represented. As a sit skier, I was in awe of some of the sleds I saw flying past me. The terrain was wonderful. In fact, the gently rolling hills were a sit skier's dream. There is a good deal more competition at Ridderrennet than at Ski for Light. I participated in the biathlon, 5K, and 10K races. There is also a 20K race in which sit skiers do not take part. However, the SFL sit skiers were not about to be intimidated by the infamous 3K climb up the mountain. On the day before the race, a group of about twenty, including seven sit skiers, conquered that 3K climb to enjoy a picnic and reward ourselves with a champagne toast at the top of the mountain. Our second week in Norway was spent sight-seeing in Oslo. We visited the World War II Resistance Museum where, as a history buff, I was awed by the personal experiences shared by our tour guide, Lisen Wikant as much as I was by the exhibit. The Viking ship museum offered a glimpse into a thousand-year-old culture that was incredibly sophisticated and surprisingly shared much with the ancient Egyptians. Imagine a buried ship serving the same function as a pyramid. A display of ancient skis, which were intricately carved, and about 10 feet long with sealskin instead of kick wax attested to Norway's history as the cradle of skiing. Gustav Vigland's sculpture featuring giants, dragons, cherubs and old folks certainly provided food for thought. Add to all of this a reception with the Ambassadors from several nations, luncheon at the U.S. Ambassador's residence with the Charge de' Affair, being chauffeured about by a wonderful group of young men from the King's Guard, and the fact that Terry Nelson kept me laughing with his antics on the trail and went into "coach mode" to help me finish my fastest 5K ever. This is only a glimpse of the wonderful experience I had. The extraordinary memories and friendships from this trip will stay with me for a lifetime. Thanks again to Nancy McKinney and the SFL Executive Committee for choosing me to represent Ski for Light and giving me the opportunity to enjoy such a fabulous trip. A Note from Janice Newman When I met my friend, Julie Cook, following her recent "Ski for Light Experience" as a first-time-guide, I realized just how much I really did miss you all and the fun you had celebrating 25 years! The many messages, hugs-by-proxy and the wonderful card, adorned with 25-year patch, particularly touched me; she was able to pass on to me, which I shall always treasure. I really do appreciate your kind thoughts and well wishes. Happily, my hip injury has almost cleared up and the move to my new house is now complete so there should be nothing preventing my preparations for SFL 2001, year 26, and I hope to see you all in Wisconsin. A week after arriving home from Colorado, Julie is still buzzing with excitement! I am so pleased that she had such a positive experience, though I didn't doubt for a moment that she would. You are all obviously still as enthusiastic and welcoming as ever! Sports for Health N. E. Pennsylvania Regional Sports for Health July 30-August 6, 2000 For information contact: Allison C. Holder 13016 Shadyside Lane Germantown, MD 20874 Phone 301-515-0627 e-mail: sports4health@aol.com Ski for Light, Inc. 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 http://www.sfl.org Thank you Sponsors!! SFL is a member of ORCA(Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America) and is very grateful for support from our corporate sponsors: JanSport, BULA, Cycle Wyld, Mountain Lift energy bars, Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, Grabber Performance Group, Granite Gear, Crazy Creek Chairs, Chuck Roast, New Hall's Wheels, Jytte May Designs, Texaco, Turtle Fur, Hotfinger Gloves, Bison Belts, Thor-Lo Socks, and Wyoming Woolens.